Women of the Arctic were primarily responsible for preparing animals for food or clothing. They had their own unique tools, and as such tools were essential for survival in the cold environment, they were highly valued and very personal - often made to fit the users hands.

When the owner of the tool died, the tool was given to a family member or a close friend. It was cherished and used with pride because in it the knowledge was passed on from one to another.

An ulu (woman's knife) is a crescent-shaped general-purpose cutting tool used by women all across the Arctic for preparing skins, skinning, butchering, eating and sewing.

This crescent shaped knife is used with either a slicing or a rocking motion.

PICTURES: Ulus made of copper and bone (top) and bone and slate (right).